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The Ahart Parent Index includes 30 items across six domains, each closely aligned with key performance indicators (KPIs). Based on the research of Dr. Richard Ryan, Dr. Edward Deci, and Dr. John Hattie, the survey assesses critical aspects such as school culture, instruction, and parental involvement, as well as school safety, school leadership, and family retention. These elements provide insights into how well schools foster a welcoming environment, support academic growth, and maintain effective communication, ultimately influencing parent satisfaction, re-enrollment rates, trust, and fundraising efforts.
School culture refers to the environment created by the school that balances academic success, joyful learning, virtuous habits, and a respectful, orderly atmosphere, ensuring students are kind to one another. John Hattie's (2018) research shows that a positive and orderly school culture leads to increased parental satisfaction and re-enrollment rates, as parents perceive the school as a safe and nurturing place for their children. Wang and Degol (2016) found that a school culture fostering kindness and virtue enhances student well-being, which parents associate with their child's happiness and success, leading to greater parent involvement and engagement in school activities. Ryan and Deci’s (2017) Self-Determination Theory indicates that when schools cultivate joy in learning and a balanced environment, parents are more likely to support the school through fundraising efforts and continued enrollment, as they see their children thriving both academically and socially.
Instruction refers to parents' satisfaction with the quality of teaching, academic progress, available resources, extracurricular offerings, and overall academic rigor provided by the school. John Hattie's (2018) research on visible learning demonstrates that high-quality instruction and academic rigor directly correlate with student achievement, which parents see as essential for their child’s success, leading to greater parental satisfaction and continued enrollment. Ryan and Deci’s (2017) Self-Determination Theory suggests that when schools offer a variety of extracurricular programs and resources, students experience a greater sense of autonomy and engagement, which parents perceive as critical to their child's overall development and academic progress. A study by Bowers and White (2020) found that schools providing well-rounded instruction, including academic rigor and extracurricular activities, lead to increased parental involvement and support for fundraising, as parents are more invested in their child's holistic education.
Parental Involvement refers to parents' sense of being welcomed, informed, empowered, and valued by the school, leading to active participation in school events and advocacy for their child's needs. Epstein’s (2018) research on parental involvement demonstrates that when parents feel welcomed and empowered to advocate for their child, they are more likely to engage in school activities, leading to better academic and social outcomes for students. Ryan and Deci's (2017) Self-Determination Theory emphasizes that effective communication between school staff and parents fosters a sense of competence and relatedness, which enhances parental satisfaction and involvement, ultimately improving student engagement and success. A study by Hoover-Dempsey et al. (2020) found that when parents feel their input is valued by the school, it strengthens the home-school relationship, increasing parent participation in events and fundraising efforts, positively impacting overall school community and re-enrollment rates.
School Safety refers to parents’ perception of the school's efforts to create a secure, well-managed environment where student behavior is controlled, bullying is addressed, and safety is a top priority. According to Gage, Whitford, and Katsiyannis (2018), schools that maintain a strong sense of security and effectively address bullying behavior have higher parental satisfaction, which can lead to increased re-enrollment and parental involvement in school activities. Hattie's (2018) findings emphasize that a well-managed, orderly school environment, including control of disruptive behavior, positively correlates with student engagement and academic success, increasing parental confidence in the school. Research by Cornell et al. (2019) indicates that visible safety measures, such as secure buildings and efficient car lines, improve parental perceptions of the school, contributing to a greater sense of trust and an increased likelihood of involvement in school events and fundraising initiatives.
School Leadership refers to parents’ perceptions of how school leaders engage with the community, respond to concerns, and prioritize the well-being of students. Research by Hattie (2018) shows that visible and accessible leadership positively influences parent satisfaction and involvement, as it fosters trust and a sense of partnership, which can lead to greater parental support and re-enrollment. Leithwood and Jantzi (2019) found that when school leaders prioritize open communication and address concerns in a timely manner, parents are more likely to view the school as responsive, contributing to increased parent engagement and advocacy. A study by Day et al. (2020) highlights that leadership focused on supporting students' best interests strengthens the school’s relationship with families, enhancing parent loyalty, satisfaction, and their willingness to participate in school events and fundraising efforts.
Family Retention refers to parents’ intentions to keep their children at the school, influenced by their satisfaction with the school's environment, direction, and their child's happiness. Research by Hattie (2018) suggests that a positive school climate, where students thrive and parents feel proud to
be part of the community, is directly linked to increased re-enrollment rates and parent recommendations. A study by Goodall (2020) shows that when parents are satisfied with the school's direction and leadership, they are more likely to commit long-term and recommend the school to other families, which boosts re-enrollment and community engagement. According to Epstein (2019), schools that prioritize student well-being and foster a sense of pride and belonging among families see higher levels of parent loyalty, satisfaction, and ongoing involvement, contributing to higher retention rates.